In many ways, the newest collection presented by Karachi-based designer duo Deepak & Fahad — titled Noir Nexus — encapsulates their journey in fashion design. It breaks new ground in existing form with attention to intricate detailing while also exploring uncharted territory in the menswear genre.

These characteristics can also be applied to designers Deepak Kumar and Fahad Yaqoob themselves, schoolmates who turned friends and then made their collective foray into fashion design.

Over the passage of time, they have churned out an impressive body of work that has graced the covers and centrespreads of various fashion glossies and lifestyle magazines and social media platforms. They have worked with top-tier professionals and teams in the field, besides being a regular feature at the country’s leading fashion weeks.

The future holds something even more exciting for this two-man powerhouse in menswear fashion, as far from kicking off their work boots and chilling out for a while, they are constantly embroiled in the complicated process of creating and recreating to produce something truly extraordinary that will put Pakistan on the international fashion map.

Q. What does men’s fashion mean to you?

Fahad Yaqoob: Fashion, to us, is like an art canvas where we play with colours, textures, and shapes. It’s a way for us to express who we are, show our personality, and let our creativity shine through in what we wear. It’s not just about clothes — it’s about following trends, being influenced by culture, and choosing what we like.

Dark clouds may be looming on the menswear fashion horizon but the duo of designers Deepak & Fahad are determined to let the sun break out

Deepak Kumar: Beyond just garments, it involves trends, cultural influences and our individual preferences. For us, fashion is a language that communicates our values, history, and distinctive tastes. For us, fashion is a language that communicates our values, history and distinctive tastes.

Q. What do you think of menswear in Pakistan?

FY: Menswear in Pakistan tends to stick to safer and more traditional styles. Unfortunately, many men here are not too keen on trying out different and more exciting fashion. Only a few people let us experiment with ideas, making the overall fashion scene quite repetitive. Nevertheless, we see this as an opportunity for positive change.

DK: We envision a future where menswear in Pakistan becomes more creative, breaking away from the usual, and embracing a variety of styles.

Q. How do you aim to revolutionise menswear?

FY: Our approach to revolutionising menswear in Pakistan involves introducing innovative designs that challenge conventional norms.

DK: We are committed to making fashion more inclusive and sustainable, offering a diverse range of styles that cater to various tastes and preferences. Ethical production practices will be at the forefront to contribute to a positive impact on the industry.

Q. What is your personal design philosophy?

FY: Our design philosophy includes pushing creative boundaries and introducing fresh styles that seamlessly blend minimalism with an edgy vibe. We believe in the power of simplicity, using clean lines and subtle details to make a bold statement.

DK: Innovation is at the core of our approach, constantly seeking new avenues to redefine and elevate design. Overall, our goal is to create pieces that not only stand out but also possess a timeless quality, reflecting a perfect harmony between modern aesthetics and a touch of boldness.

Q. It seems the Lux Style Awards have allegedly done away with the menswear category for now. Comment.

FY: Sad but true, the fashion scene isn’t as lively as it used to be. There are fewer fashion magazines, fashion weeks and fashion councils around these days. Not many models, collections or campaigns stand out anymore.

DK: People are focusing more on commercial aspects, especially after Covid-19 and, while that does make sense, we sincerely hope things become more exciting and creative in Pakistani fashion soon.

Q. Which celebrities would you like to dress up?

FY: We’ve had the privilege of dressing up almost everyone in Pakistan, but one celebrity we would absolutely love to style is Mahira Khan. She embodies grace and beauty, and the way she represents our country on the global stage is truly unmatched.

DK: Dressing Mahira Khan up would not only be a creative endeavour but also an opportunity to enhance the global image of Pakistani fashion through her incredible persona.

Q. When it comes to fashion design, do you think two heads are better than one?

FY: Absolutely! We firmly believe that two heads are better than one in the realm of fashion design. Collaborative brainstorming is a key aspect of our process. We sit down together, explore various ideas for each collection and, though we may have our creative differences, it ultimately leads to producing some amazing work.

DK: The synergy between us has been a true blessing, fostering a dynamic and enriched creative environment that consistently yields exceptional results in our fashion endeavours.

Published in Dawn, ICON, February 11th, 2024